At the British Academy of Management, we place our values of Equality, Diversity, Inclusivity and Respect at the heart of everything we do. We work hard to build understanding of the ways in which these values can be put into action, and also awareness of the ways in which they can be overridden. We are proud of our community and the way in which we strive to respect each other, as scholars and as people. Our Annual Conference is our biggest gathering and the BAM Executive have created the following statement regarding the conduct of all delegates, whether present in person or online:

The British Academy of Management Conference is a safe space for everyone. Everyone involved in the event - whether delegate, speaker, guest, volunteer or event support staff - is responsible for creating an inclusive, psychologically safe and harassment-free environment.

As a result, we ask for your commitment to making everyone feel comfortable and that you take care that no one is made to feel uncomfortable. If, at any time during the conference, you find yourself on the receiving end of or witness any inappropriate behaviour, please speak to a member of the organising team.

The University of Kent is working trelessly to embed all 17 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals into their operations, teaching, research and beyond.

Green Gown Award Winners and Green Meetings Silver Award

This year the University of Kent has been awarded the Silver Green Meetings award connected to the provision of sustainable conferences and events.

The Univesity of Kent won the “Benefitting Society” Award at the 2024 Green Gown Awards in recognition of their work as the world’s first Right to Food University.  

 This award recognises the powerful and innovative ways that education institutions are realising their purpose in society to benefit the lives of individuals, communities and wider society.

Singling out Kent in this category, the judges said that the Right to Food is: ‘A very well thought out and planned programme, addressing a critical societal issue at present'.

BAM and Sustainability

BAM aligns its efforts to be more environmentally sustainable by:

• Replacing plastic badge holders with environmentally friendly and biodegradable badges
• Using lanyards and notebooks made from recycled material
• Sustainable menu throughout the Conference
• No goodie bags, optional sustainable gifts
• No paper brochures

Professor Jan Bebbington, former Vice Chair for Sustainability, has prepared this brief note to help our community think and talk about sustainability in the context of academic conferences.

The desire to be less unsustainable is prompted by the concern that combined human activities are creating environmental problems that are systemic in nature and that these problems will threaten human wellbeing. At the same time, sustainability concerns also relate to social equity with an ethically-based desire to ensure that all people have the chance to have their needs met. These concerns infuse conference organisation and also the choices made by academics over which conferences to attend.

The following material lays out some of the issues at stake in terms of environmental sustainability at conferences and it should become apparent that it is impossible to easily be categorical about what ‘best’ practice is. Rather this short guide provides ‘points to ponder’ in thinking about conference attendance and organisation.

Attending a conference creates impacts from two sets of activities, namely: getting to the conference and impacts that arise during the conference itself.

Continue reading: Sustainability at Conferences

All attendees from outside the UK are responsible for making sure they have the correct documentation to enter the country. Please refer the UK Border Agency (UKBA)’s guide.

EEA and Switzerland

Most participants whose nationality is of a European Economic Area country or Switzerland will only require a standard passport.

Other nationalities

If you are of any other nationality, the first step is to establish whether you need a visa for travel. Start with the UKBA’s page. This will direct you to further guidance, which you should read very closely. Note that if your sole purpose in coming to the UK is to attend the Conference, it is very likely you will be considered a ‘Business Visitor’.

If you do not require a visa, it is possible that you will instead need other documentation: you are advised to check this before proceeding.

In case of any uncertainty, please consult the UKBA directly via the contact details given on its website, or the British Embassy in your country.

Applying for a visa

Please note that the British Academy of Management is not authorised to provide official advice on visa issues.

Confirmation of involvement in the conference and other documentation

If you need an official letter of acceptance to support an entry visa application or funding bid, please complete a quick survey: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/acceptance-letter-bam2025/ 

The British Academy of Management is not authorised to issue letters of invitation to support any visa application, however the above acceptance letter can be issued on demand.

When applying for your visa from the correct authority, and to ensure that you get the document(s) you need as quickly as possible, please make sure that you state the following:

1. The reason(s) why you need the documentation (immigration visa, bid for travel funds from your institution, etc)
2. Your full name, in the exact format that will be needed for the documentation you are seeking
3. Your current contact details
4. Passport number
5. Date of birth
6. Nationality
7. The title of your paper.

At BAM, we are dedicated to promoting wellbeing and positive mental health in business and management academics and doctoral researchers. Ensuring that you can have an enjoyable experience at the BAM2025 Conference is one of our key goals, and we, along with the University of Kent, have arranged a number of activities for you to make some time for you.

The BAM Wellbeing Tree

The BAM Wellbeing Tree is an interactive installation that enables you to share your experiences of work related wellbeing, to capture effective steps that you, your manager or your institution have taken to improve wellbeing and positive mental health and/or to give suggestions as to how your wellbeing could be better supported 

Use our Mindapples installation to share your thoughts: 

• Suggest initiatives you, your manager, institutions or policy makers might take to promote all forms of wellbeing at work. 

• Tell us what we at BAM could be doing to encourage leaders and policy makers to move the dial on work related wellbeing and positive mental health. 

• What will you personally do differently to improve yours and others’ wellbeing? 

• Read what other people say by browsing the apples hung on the tree. 

Members of the BAM Executive will be at the tree during lunchtime breaks so you can also talk to us directly! 

Tai Chi

Whether you are a complete beginner or have practised Tai Chi in the past, Tai Chi offers a gentle and effective way to energise the body, calm the mind, and centre your focus/attention - perfect for balancing the pace of an academic conference and approaching the new academic year.

So, why not come along to one of the sessions to:

• strengthen your physical health (build muscle strength, balance and flexibility, blood circulation, improve breathing and sleep);
• improve your mental health (cognitive function and stress relief);
• learn basic self-defence skills; and
• improve your academic performance and work-life balance. 

Specifically, Tuan will cover:

1. loosening exercises,
2. standing exercises,
3. the Tai Chi long form,
4. Tai Chi push-hands, and
5. Tai Chi applications.

Instructor 

Tuan Yu

Tai Chi instructor

×

Tuan Yu

Tai Chi instructor

Tuan Yu is a Lecturer in Organisational Management and E-commerce at Kent Business School.  He is also a Tai Chi instructor and has taught weekly sessions at the University of Kent continuously for 25 years and to more than 700 students.

He has been invited to conduct staff workshops both within the university - for example, for the HR department and for the Sports Centre - and also outside, such as Pfizer UK. 

He has practised for over 40 years and learnt authentic Tai Chi from highly respected lineage masters in Yang Style Tai Chi (the most popular Tai Chi style in the world) who were close to the original source of knowledge. 

To pre-register, log in to your BAM account, go to “Conference Booking,” then “My Sessions,” and select your desired workshops under “Manage Sessions.”  

Conference in-person registration information:

Delegate Badges

Delegates will be given their badges at the registration desks and badges must be worn at all times during the Conference. Please note: failure to wear the badge may result in you not being permitted into the session rooms. 

In order to help you recognise who other delegates are at the Conference, badge lanyards are colour coded:
 

Exhibitor

Navy Blue

×

Exhibitor

Navy Blue

Exhibitor

Council and Exec

Black

×

Council and Exec

Black

Council and Exec

Keynotes/Fellows

White

×

Keynotes/Fellows

White

Keynotes/Fellows

Conference Delegates

Green

×

Conference Delegates

Green

Conference Delegates

SIG/Track Chairs

Red

×

SIG/Track Chairs

Red

SIG/Track Chairs

Conference Organiser / Volunteer

Yellow

×

Conference Organiser / Volunteer

Yellow

Conference Organiser/ Volunteer

IMPORTANT: You must bring your delegate badge to the Gala Reception at Cloisters, Canterbury Cathedral as it is your entry ticket and must be shown to a member of BAM staff so they can check you in.*** 

Cloakroom/Luggage Room Room:

• Tuesday 2nd September: Seminar Room 1, Sibson Building
• Wednesday 3rd September - Friday 5th September: Kent Indoor Tennis and Events Arena (KITEA)

Cloakroom/Luggage Room Opening Hours 

We are pleased to announce that we will now be hosting a Gala Networking Reception at the historic and magnificent Canterbury Cathedral. In response to your feedback, we have revised the format of the Gala Dinner to ensure that it provides an affordable and enjoyable networking experience.

The revised format is designed to facilitate easier interaction, creating opportunities for meaningful connections and fostering productive conversations. This change will allow for a more inclusive evening held in the awe-inspiring surroundings of a unique British landmark.

Tickets can be purchased with your Conference ticket for an additional £49.

All in-person sessions for the BAM2025 Conference will take place at the Univrsity of Kent. Please refer to the App and Conference website for the Campus map.

Paper sessions and Professional Development Workshops (PDWs) will take place across various rooms. Please refer to the Conference programme for further details.

Cloakroom/Luggage Room Room - TBC

Cloakroom/Luggage Room Opening Hours 

Special Mobility Access

Special access arrangements are available at the University of Kent for delegates with special needs, including those with visual, hearing, cognitive and motor impairments. There are disabled toilet facilities, lifts and on-site accessibility induction loops available at the venue.

If you require special mobility access, please also contact [email protected] to discuss your needs so we can make any necessary prior arrangements. 

Whilst on site, guests should familiarise themselves with the fire safety advise for visitors. 

The University of Kent operates a non-smoking policy in all buildings; however, smoking in designated areas and in the open, away from buildings, is permitted.

We hope you enjoy a healthy conference, however, if you start to feel unwell then we ask you to please stay in your bedroom and let us know by completing this form or calling your reception during opening hours and a member of the relevant team will be able to further assist you.

University Medical Centre

If you have a minor medical complaint, please contact the Medical Centre on campus: 01227 469333.  They are open Mon-Fri 8am-6:30pm. 

The nearest pharmacy

Address

GILES LANE
CANTERBURY
KENT
CT2 7PB

Opening times

Day                      Times

Monday              9am to 6pm

Tuesday              9am to 6pm

Wednesday        9am to 6pm

Thursday            9am to 6pm

Friday                 9am to 6pm

Saturday             Closed

If you require medical advice while the centre is closed please ring the Out of Hours Service on 111. Should you need it, there is a app called Waitless, which shows local accident and emergency and minor injury facilities in the area and shows the travel time and wait time at each one.

In the case of a medical emergency, please ring 999, it is recommended to use what3words if you are not familiar with campus and contact the Campus security team on the Emergency phone number +44 (0) 1227 823333 so they can assist and guide the emergency services onto campus;

The number to contact Campus Security at any other time is +44 (0) 1227 823300

Please report any accidents or near-miss incidents that occur on site to the nearest reception, or conference registration desk immediately.

The fire alarm testing times is as follows

Day                     Building                                  Time                                    Assembly Point

MONDAY            KITEA                                    08.45                                   Pavilion Car Park

THURSDAY        Templeman Library                08.15                                   Marlowe Footpath                         

                            Grimond  Building                 08.50                                   Marlowe Footpath

FRIDAY               

Pears Building                                                    08.20                                    Jennison Pond

Sibson  Building                                                 08.25                                    Chipperfield Car Park  

Kennedy Building                                               08.50                                    Sibson Footpath

Please check the programme to re-confirm the day, time and room of the session(s) you have been allocated. While we do not anticipate any changes, we cannot not guarantee that this will be the case, so please check the programme at least at the start of the conference and on the morning of the day of your session.

Please note: delegates will need to bring their presentation on a USB data stick and arrive early to upload their presentation onto the computer. This is to ensure presentations are uploaded successfully and to allow enough time for any technical difficulties that may arise. Delegates may also bring any materials they wish to distribute to other delegates during their presentation. 

Technical Information

Standard Equipment in all of the venues

Computers, data projectors and speakers are included in all classrooms and theatres.

Using your own laptop or Mac to connect to our projectors

All of the venues have HDMI connections.

If your device does not have a HDMI connection, then please ensure that you bring the relevant adapter with you to facilitate its use.

You will need to connect to the Wi-Fi if you need access to the internet. Wi-Fi Connectivity is excellent in most areas of the University of Kent. Please drop a line to the BAM team if you require Wi-Fi access for your presentation: [email protected].

Computers supplied in all Venues

All computers have a Windows 11 along with Office 365.  All desktop PCs have wired network ports. 

Full Papers / Symposiums / Workshops

Rooms allocated for Full Papers, Symposiums and Workshops Presentations will have a laptop, data projector and screen available.

elegates may also bring any materials they wish to distribute to other delegates during their presentation. 

Please see below the session timings allocated for every delegate’s presentation. 

Developmental papers will have 20 - 30 minutes allocated and will be presented in 'round table' format. 

The layout is normally ‘round table’ rather than theatre-style, to facilitate group discussion.

It is recommended that session chairs and participants/discussants, especially for developmental paper sessions, read papers in advance to get the most out of the session. Presenters are asked to bring copies of their papers or suitable handouts to distribute at the start (copies in PowerPoint are welcome).

Please check the programme to re-confirm the day, time and room of the session(s) you have been allocated. While we do not anticipate any changes, we cannot not guarantee that this will be the case, so please check the programme at least at the start of the conference and on the morning of the day of your session.

Please see below the session timings allocated for every delegate’s presentation. 

4a. Virtual Full Paper Sessions

The standard session will include three papers, with 20 minutes for presentation and 10 minutes for discussion.  As an author, please ensure you join the session 15 minutes before your session starts, introduce yourself to the session chair and check you do not encounter any technical issues and please check you can share your screen to present your PPT slides. When the session begins, the session chair will introduce you to the audience.

The session chair will moderate the Q&A box and chat function and will address any questions/comments after your presentation.

After your presentation, please ensure you remain on mute while others are presenting to allow them to do so without interruptions. Please use the chat box or raise hand function to interact during any Q&A or discussion time.

There will be a Chair of each session who will be responsible for keeping each session to time so please respect their instructions.
 

4b. Virtual Developmental Paper Sessions

Papers in these sessions are often presented at an early stage of development. However, their papers (up to 2000 words) will have been reviewed and should stand up to reasonably robust discussion.  As an author, please ensure you join the session 15 minutes before your session starts, introduce yourself to the session chair and check for any technical issues. Typically, in a face-to-face Conference, developmental paper presenters are not expected to use AV, however in this instance, authors can use PowerPoint slides if they wish.

The session chair will moderate the Q&A box and chat function and will address any questions/comments after your discussion. 

After your discussion, please ensure you remain on mute while others are presenting to allow them to do so without interruptions. Please use the chat box or raise hand function to interact during any Q&A or discussion time.

There will be a Chair of each session who will be responsible for keeping each session to time so please respect their instructions.

4c. Track Workshops and Symposiums

If you are involved in leading or chairing a Symposium or Workshop, it is likely that you are part of the organising group for this session so there should be no surprises!  However, it is still a good idea to check with the Track Chair and your fellow presenters exactly what format has been agreed with the conference organisers.  Firm time-keeping may be needed; and if audience members intend to leave during the session, ask them to do so with minimal disruption.

Unfortunately, the University of Kent does not have any printing facilities for non-students for use at the Conference.

We advise that, should you need any materials printed, you bring these with you on the days you attend the Conference.

Alternatively, there are a number of printing options that you can purchase printed materials at in Canterbury City Centre:

• Rymans Stationary
  Find us
• Omicron Repro
  Find us
• TGJones (formerly WHSmiths)
  Find us
• Canterbury Library
  Find us

Guests who have eduroam accounts should automatically connect to the Wi-Fi or there is a guest Wi-Fi service available onsite. Select ‘Wi-Fi Guest’ from the network list and follow on-screen instructions to set up a free account.

WiFI instructions 

Note on allergies from the KBS Catering:

Any queries relating to food allergies or dietary requirements should be directed to a member of the catering team who will be happy to advise. KBS menus advise if the food item is vegan, vegetarian, made without gluten containing ingredients, dairy free or made using Halal ingredients. All foods are prepared in kitchens where nuts, gluten & other allergens are present, whilst every effort is made to avoid cross-contamination we cannot guarantee this.

All food is prepared in kitchens where nuts, gluten & other allergens could be present.

Please note that specfic dietary requirements will be catered in KITEA premises only.

During the Conference, Delegates are invited to participate in various social activities. Please note that you need to pre-book your place for these activities in advance. Further information will be available in due course. 

Please remember that spaces for all activities listed below are limited and are offered on a first-come-first-served basis.

At the Conference, we will be offering colour communication stickers to help participants tell everyone about their communication preferences. Prior to approaching anyone, please take note of their badge.

Stickers will be available at the registration desk.

Red

Please do not initiate any interaction with me unless you have prior permission

×

Red

Please do not initiate any interaction with me unless you have prior permission

Please do not initiate any interaction with me unless you have prior permission

Yellow

I would like to socialise, but I have difficulty

×

Yellow

I would like to socialise, but I have difficulty

I would like to socialise, but I have difficulty

Green

I would like to socialise

×

Green

I would like to socialise

I would like to socialise

Children and Babies at the Conference: Supporting Our Diverse Community

At the British Academy of Management (BAM) Conference, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all our delegates. We understand that attending a conference can present unique challenges for parents and carers, and we aim to provide information and resources to help you navigate your participation effectively.

 Responsibility and Safety On-Site

For the safety and well-being of all attendees, if a parent or carer chooses to bring a child under 18 years old or vulnerable adult onto University premises (outside of any University-organised visit or activity where University staff explicitly accept responsibility), the parent/carer must accept sole responsibility for the supervision of that individual while on University premises.

Parents and carers are kindly requested to keep children and vulnerable adults within close proximity and under direct supervision at all times to prevent accidents. Particular care should be taken to protect children when navigating steep stairways, busy corridors, or other potential physical hazards within the venue.

Please be advised that neither the British Academy of Management (BAM) nor the University of Kent will accept any liability for delegates' children on-site during the conference.

Parents and carers intending to bring a child to the Conference premises must notify BAM in advance of the Conference. Upon arrival, a disclaimer form will need to be signed, acknowledging that neither the British Academy of Management (BAM) nor the University of Kent will accept any liability for delegates' children on-site during the conference.

We also kindly request that children's behaviour is managed appropriately to ensure it does not disrupt conference sessions or other delegate activities.

Dedicated Facilities

We are pleased to offer dedicated breastfeeding facilities for parents with babies, ensuring a comfortable and private space for your needs. Details on the location of these facilities will be available at the information desk and on the conference app.

External Childcare Options

While BAM does not provide on-site childcare services, we understand that delegates may require external support. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of local nurseries and preschools in the Canterbury area. Additionally, Kent County Council maintains a list of registered childminders, which can be accessed here

Please note that this list is provided for informational purposes only, and BAM does not endorse or take responsibility for the services offered by these external providers. We encourage parents and carers to conduct their own research and due diligence when selecting childcare.

Here are some local options you might consider:

• Bright Horizons Canterbury Day Nursery and Preschool: Located on Spring Lane, it offers full-day care and has received a "Good" rating. 
• Busy Bees Canterbury: Situated at The Riverside Children's Centre, it also provides full-day care and is rated "Good". 
• Choochoos Day Nursery: Located on Mill Lane, this nursery is also rated "Good" and offers full-day care. 
• New House Nursery School: Located on New House Lane, this nursery has a good reputation and is known for its focus on learning through play. 
• Canterbury Day Nursery: This nursery also provides after-school and holiday play schemes. 
• Tiny Stars Day Care Canterbury: Located on Simmonds Road, it offers day care services. 

We hope this information assists you in planning your attendance. Should you have any further questions or require assistance during the conference, please do not hesitate to approach our information desk.

The Prayer Room is located in Sibson 361, 3rd Floor, Sibson Building, University of Kent.

The University of Kent offers free parking on campus in car parks. Please request a parking permit when registering for the conference or the booking onsite accommodation, a permit will be emailed to you, please ensure it is printed and displayed in the windscreen and your vehicle must be parked within a marked bay.

The University of Kent Regulations for the Management of Traffic and Travel applies to all persons and Parking Enforcement is in operation at all times.

Please contact us if a permit is required and you have not already requested one.

Mobility access

Special access arrangements are available at the University of Kent for delegates with special needs, including those with visual, hearing, cognitive and motor impairments. There are accessible toilet facilities and lifts. Induction loops can be arranged prior to arrival, by emailing us at [email protected].

TBC 

Any items found in the BAM conference rooms will be held at the registration desk until the end of the conference. Any items found anywhere else on campus will be handed to Campus Security +44 (0) 1227 823300 [email protected] or the Conference team +44 (0) 1227 828000 [email protected]  After the event, items will be held at the Conference Office for a maximum of two weeks.

Cashless Campus

Our receptions, cafes and facilities on campus are cashless, we accept payments by debit and credit card only. Cash can be used in the two campus Co-ops and if cash is needed off site, ATMs are available on the Jarman Plaza (Co-Op shop).

Kent Union central campus Co-op opening times can be found here

Kent Union Park Wood Co-op opening times can be found here

*Please note that The University of Kent is a cashless campus. 

CURRENCY & EXCHANGE

The official currency in the UK is the pound sterling (£, GBP). Each pound is divided into 100 pence (100p = £1).

The most common banknotes are £5, £10, £20, and £50. 

The coins in circulation are 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p and £1 and £2. 

Currency Converter 

You can change money at the following places:

• any bank office
• exchange offices in the airport and within the city
• major hotels
• withdrawal from ATMs

Credit & Debit Cards: The safest and easiest form of money is credit cards. Major credit cards (MasterCard and Visa) are accepted in most restaurants / cafes / facilities. American Express is not accepted at the University of Kent.

Cash Withdrawal: It is possible to withdraw pounds directly from any ATM in Kent. This is also the cheapest option, since it has a lower exchange rate. However, it is important to keep in mind that your own bank may charge you a fee each time you use a foreign ATM.

It is recommended to have a small amount of cash on hand upon arrival in United Kingdom for immediate expenses, i.e. taxies, city transportation etc.

In the United Kingdom the standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type G.

Unless you are from a country using G type plugs, please do not forget to bring your adapter to Canterbury. 

 For tourist information, please go to Visit Canterbury website.

Water 

At the British Academy of Management (BAM) Conference, we are committed to promoting environmental sustainability. As part of our efforts to reduce waste, we encourage all delegates to help us by bringing their own reusable water bottles.

To support this, the University of Kent's Campus provides convenient water refill stations across the conference venues. You can find water fountains in the following areas:

• Sibson Building: Two fountains are located on the ground floor, and two more on the first floor.

• Chipperfield Building: There is one cold/hot tap available in the social space on the ground floor.

• Kennedy Building: One fountain can be found on the ground floor in the social space, adjacent to SR1 Room.

• Grimond Building: A sink with a tap is available in the kitchenette just off the foyer.

• Tennis & Events Arena: There is one fountain in the foyer, along with other water and drinks stations.

• Templeman Building: One water fountain is situated near seminar rooms 5 and 6.

By utilising these facilities with your own reusable bottle, you contribute directly to our sustainability goals and help us minimise single-use plastic waste during the conference.

Thank you for your cooperation in making the BAM Conference more environmentally friendly.